Mass Poisoning at Bali Hostel Claims Life of 25-Year-Old Woman, Leaves 10 Hospitalized
Canggu, Bali — November 26, 2025
A tragic mass poisoning incident at a popular Bali hostel has resulted in the death of a 25-year-old Chinese tourist and left ten others hospitalized. The incident occurred at Clandestino Hostel in the Canggu area of Bali and has raised serious concerns over the safety and hygiene standards maintained by the establishment.
Details of the Incident
The victim, identified as Deqing Zhuoga, reportedly fell ill after sharing a communal dinner with other guests on August 31. Following the meal, several travelers began experiencing severe symptoms including violent vomiting, chills, high fevers, and in some cases, collapse. The severity of the symptoms alarmed both guests and staff, leading to urgent calls for medical assistance.
Zhuoga’s roommate, Leila Li, was among those affected and spent five days in the intensive care unit. She has since demanded that the hostel be closed pending a thorough investigation. According to Li, more than 20 individuals were collectively poisoned, with at least ten in critical condition. She has accused the hostel management of attempting to cover up the incident to avoid reputational damage.
Medical Response and Investigation
Hostel staff initially took Zhuoga to a nearby clinic where she received treatment and medication. However, due to funding constraints, the treatment was limited to prescribed medicines from a local pharmacy. After returning to her dorm room, Zhuoga’s condition worsened, and she was found dead the following morning by hostel staff. Authorities have listed her cause of death as acute gastroenteritis and hypovolemic shock, though the precise origin of the poisoning remains undetermined.
Leila Li has indicated that hospital tests suggest pesticide poisoning alongside food poisoning, contradicting earlier assumptions that the group had contracted the common “Bali Belly” illness. She reports that her symptoms recurred repeatedly despite initial improvements, further underscoring the seriousness of the poisoning.
Hostel’s Prior Issues
Clandestino Hostel had recently faced complaints from guests about a bed bug infestation that had infested the dorm rooms. The hostel had undergone fumigation shortly before the poisoning incident. This prior issue, coupled with the recent events, has intensified scrutiny of the hostel’s overall sanitary conditions and adherence to safety protocols.
Calls for Accountability
Leila Li and other affected tourists are urging local authorities and health inspectors to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances that led to this mass poisoning. They emphasize the need for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future and to safeguard the well-being of travelers.
Local police and health officials continue to investigate the case, aiming to determine the exact cause of the contamination and to hold accountable any parties responsible for the tragic outcomes.
Conclusion
The Bali community and tourist authorities are deeply concerned following this disturbing event. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the safety standards of accommodations. Meanwhile, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of rigorous hygiene practices and prompt medical responses in preventing food-related poisonings, especially in hospitality settings frequented by international visitors.
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